Old Hickory Ranch Airport (56LA)

Current Conditions at K56LA

Old Hickory Ranch Airport, Keithville, LA

Airport Overview

Located in LA, Old Hickory Ranch Airport (56LA) serves as a general aviation point of entry for the Keithville area. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 3,500 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Private and corporate operators value Old Hickory Ranch Airport for efficient departures without commercial terminal congestion. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 56LA.

Private Aviation Briefing

Located near Keithville, Old Hickory Ranch Airport (56LA) sits at 180 ft MSL above sea level. Below is the operational context for private jet and charter operations from this airport.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Old Hickory Ranch Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a LA facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Keithville to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 56LA for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

At 3500 feet, Old Hickory Ranch Airport serves light jets and turboprops. The Citation CJ series, Phenom 100, HondaJet, and King Air family operate within this runway capability. Midsize jets require careful performance analysis based on temperature and aircraft weight. Pilots should reference aircraft-specific takeoff and landing distance charts for 56LA's runway length and 180 ft MSL elevation.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near Keithville. Holiday weekends, major events, and seasonal migration patterns drive demand. Booking 7 to 14 days ahead of peak periods secures better aircraft selection and pricing from 56LA. Last-minute charter is possible but typically costs 15 to 30% more due to limited positioning options.

What to Know Before You Fly

Weather at Old Hickory Ranch Airport affects scheduling reliability. IFR-equipped aircraft and instrument-rated crews fly in most weather conditions, but low ceilings, thunderstorms, and winter ice can delay departures. Flexible scheduling improves reliability. Morning departures generally encounter better weather than afternoon flights, particularly during convective season.

Safety & Planning

Instrument approach availability at Old Hickory Ranch Airport determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If 56LA has limited approach options, weather alternate planning becomes critical. The Jet Finder identifies suitable alternate airports and factors this into flight planning for charter from Old Hickory Ranch Airport.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing Old Hickory Ranch Airport over a larger commercial hub near Keithville often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like 56LA eliminate terminal congestion, commercial airline scheduling, and the 90-minute early arrival buffer. The net time savings on a typical trip can exceed three hours each direction.

Seasonal Factors

Seasonal demand patterns affect charter availability and pricing from Old Hickory Ranch Airport. Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break) see 40 to 60% price increases due to demand spikes. Summer leisure travel and winter ski season create directional imbalances that generate empty leg opportunities. Planning around these patterns saves significantly on charter from 56LA.

Location & Address

Geographically, Old Hickory Ranch Airport (56LA) is located at 32.3453° N, -93.8183° W near Keithville, LA. Private aviation clients arriving at 56LA save the 2-3 hours commercial passengers spend on check-in, security, and baggage claim.

Runways & Facilities

Old Hickory Ranch Airport's 3,500-foot runway accommodates turboprops, very light jets, and most light jet categories (Citation CJ series, Phenom 100/300, Premier I). Some midsize jets can operate under light-load conditions. Pilots should calculate performance based on temperature, elevation, and aircraft weight.

FBOs & Ground Services

Aircraft services at 56LA are handled by the airport's fixed base operation. Standard general aviation services — fuel, parking, aircraft positioning — are typically available during operating hours. Contact Old Hickory Ranch Airport directly for current service hours, fuel pricing, and hangar availability.

Charter a Jet from Old Hickory Ranch Airport

Charter operations from Old Hickory Ranch Airport (56LA) connect Keithville to destinations across the country. The Jet Finder connects you with charter aircraft suited to 56LA's runway capabilities and your mission requirements. No markup. Direct operator access.

Fly Private from 56LA

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Old Hickory Ranch Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 56LA's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Old Hickory Ranch Airport
ICAO Code	56LA
IATA Code	56LA
FAA Identifier	56LA
Address	Keithville, LA
Elevation	180 ft MSL
Coordinates	32.3453° N, 93.8183° W
FAA Data	AirNav 56LA

Operations & Facilities
Runways	18/36: 3,500 ft (ASPH-TURF)
FBOs	Airport Services
Customs	Not available
Fuel	Contact airport for availability
Hours	Contact airport for hours
Approaches	Contact airport for approach information
Tower / Freq	See Airport/Facility Directory

Regional Aviation Context

Louisiana's GA infrastructure serves the oil and gas industry, particularly operators flying to offshore platforms. Gulf moisture creates frequent low-ceiling IFR conditions.

Operational Considerations

Old Hickory Ranch Airport's 180-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 1,980 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 3,500-foot runway provides approximately 3,481 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at Old Hickory Ranch Airport mean warm temperatures dominate year-round. The primary weather challenge is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often reaching maturity between 14:00 and 18:00 local time. Morning departures (before 10:00 local) consistently provide the smoothest, clearest conditions. Haze and humidity can reduce visibility below VFR minimums without obvious cloud formation. The cooler months offer the most reliable flying weather.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Old Hickory Ranch Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Bluebird Hill Airport

K5F5 · 1 NM from 56LA

Shreveport Regional Airport

KSHV · 6 NM from 56LA

Barksdale Air Force Base

KBAD · 12 NM from 56LA

C E 'Rusty' Williams Airport

K3F3 · 17 NM from 56LA

Frequently Asked Questions

The airport code for Old Hickory Ranch Airport is 56LA. This identifier appears on sectional charts, in the Airport/Facility Directory, and in electronic flight planning tools.

Located in Keithville, LA, Old Hickory Ranch Airport has coordinates of 32.3453° N, 93.8183° W. Airport elevation: 180 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

1 runway(s) at Old Hickory Ranch Airport. The longest, 18/36, measures 3,500 feet with a ASPH-TURF surface, supporting most general aviation and light jet traffic.

Old Hickory Ranch Airport (56LA) is open to private jet traffic. The primary runway offers 3,500 feet. Whether a specific aircraft type can operate depends on its takeoff/landing requirements relative to field conditions.

The FBO at Old Hickory Ranch Airport handles fuel, parking, and ground coordination for arriving aircraft. Visit AirNav for current operator contact information at 56LA. Pre-arrival calls are advisable.

The airport elevation at Old Hickory Ranch Airport is 180 feet MSL. Pilots should factor this into takeoff and landing performance calculations, especially during summer operations.

For current instrument approach procedure information at Old Hickory Ranch Airport (56LA), consult the FAA's Terminal Procedures Publication or check electronic charts in your EFB.

Private charter from 56LA is available through The Jet Finder. We connect clients with FAA-certificated Part 135 operators. Pricing depends on aircraft type, destination, and scheduling.

Aircraft suitability at 56LA depends on the 3,500-foot runway. Standard GA traffic — pistons, turboprops, light jets — operates without special considerations. Larger aircraft should confirm runway adequacy before flight planning.

For tower and radio frequency information at Old Hickory Ranch Airport, consult the Airport/Facility Directory or AirNav entry for 56LA. Non-towered fields use CTAF/UNICOM for traffic advisories.

Fuel types and pricing at Old Hickory Ranch Airport are subject to change. Contact the airport or its FBO for current Jet-A and 100LL availability. AirNav lists recent fuel prices reported by pilots.

International flight planning from 56LA requires CBP coordination. Old Hickory Ranch Airport may or may not have on-field customs services. The Jet Finder can identify the nearest CBP-equipped airport and handle logistics.

Aviation weather for Old Hickory Ranch Airport is reported under identifier 56LA. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. LA's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

Old Hickory Ranch Airport serves the Keithville, LA area. Actual driving distance to city center depends on your specific destination. FBOs at 56LA can typically arrange ground transportation or provide directions.

For aircraft parking at Old Hickory Ranch Airport, contact the FBO at 56LA. Most GA airports offer both transient and overnight tiedowns. Hangar space, if available, should be reserved in advance.

Request a charter quote from 56LA through The Jet Finder. Provide departure date, destination, passenger count, and luggage requirements. We source availability from multiple Part 135 operators for competitive pricing.

Ready to Fly from 56LA?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Old Hickory Ranch Airport.